The composition of human blood includes proteins, mineral s alts, glucose and other vital elements. One of them is phosphorus. The deviation of the quantitative indicator of this element in the direction of increase or decrease may indicate pathological changes in the body. To determine the level of phosphorus in the blood and find out whether it is increased or decreased, a general analysis will help. In our article, we will focus on the norms of this inorganic compound for adults and children and tell you how dangerous a deviation from this indicator is for the body.
Phosphorus and its role for the body
To a greater extent, and this is 85% of the total volume, the macronutrient is concentrated in the bones and teeth. The rest of the phosphorus in certain proportions is found in various fluids, cells and tissues of the human body. This element helps the body to produce energy. If its content in the blood falls by half, energy metabolism incells are significantly impaired. In addition, phosphorus is necessary for the body to perform other vital functions:
- ensure the growth and strengthening of teeth and bones;
- normal kidney function;
- stable functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular system;
- fat metabolism;
- reproduction of genetic information;
- supporting growth and repair of cells, tissues and damaged muscles.
Phosphorus is an element indispensable for the human body, which is an integral part of proteins, phospholipids and various biologically active compounds. This inorganic phosphate, in addition to the functions described above, regulates the action of other minerals, such as zinc and magnesium.
Norms of phosphorus in the blood
The state of the human body is negatively affected not only by the lack of vitamins and minerals, but also by their excess. That is why it is recommended to know the norms of certain micro and macro elements. If the results of the analysis reveal deviations up or down, it may be necessary to adjust the indicators to a normal level.
Norms of phosphorus in the blood of adults and children are different. Especially acute in such macronutrients as phosphorus and calcium, newborn babies need. Violation of their metabolism can lead to rickets, which in advanced cases is practically untreatable.
Norms of phosphorus in the blood of children and adults:
- newborns and babies up to 1 year - 1, 60-3, 10 mmol/l;
- children from 1 year old and teenagers - 1, 30-2, 10 mmol/l;
- adults - 0.87-1.45 mmol/l;
- older people over 60 - 0.74-1.2 mmol/l (men), 0.90-1.3 mmol/l (women).
It should be noted that in women during gestation and lactation, the phosphorus content will be slightly higher than normal.
Daily consumption rates
To ensure energy metabolism in cells and maintain the strength of bones and teeth, it is enough for adults to receive from 0.8 to 2 g of phosphorus daily. The body will take most of this element from food.
At the same time, for pregnant and lactating women, the norm of phosphorus is slightly higher and amounts to 3-3.8 g / day. This is due to the fact that at first, when carrying a baby, the mother consumes her own reserves of phosphorus, ensuring the normal development of the child during his intrauterine life and the formation of his bone tissue. Then, during lactation, she introduces the necessary amount of phosphoproteins into the body of the newborn, which are the main source of vitamin D. That is why in the special position of phosphorus she should receive 2 times the norm.
What foods does it contain?
The most affordable and safest way to increase your phosphorus intake is to change your diet. The following foods are rich in this macronutrient:
- fish;
- processed cheeses;
- cheese;
- mustard;
- almonds;
- pistachios;
- hazelnut;
- garlic;
- beans;
- oatmeal and barley groats;
- sour cream and cream;
- cottage cheese.
Natural and synthetic vitamins containing phosphorus are also useful, but should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a physician, as they may not mix well with other drugs. An excess of this macronutrient in the body is almost impossible to cause a balanced diet. As a rule, excess of the norm of phosphorus in the blood is associated with pathological conditions in the body. The quantitative value of this element can be determined clinically.
Why is a blood phosphorus test done?
Basically, the 15th element of the periodic table is present in our body in the bones in the form of calcium phosphates. Only a small part of it is found in soft tissues and fluids, including blood. Phosphates are also excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, if they do not function properly, the amount of phosphorus increases significantly. It is with complaints about the condition of the kidneys and bones that an analysis is most often prescribed to determine the quantitative value of these elements.
Calcium and phosphorus in the blood are responsible for the strength of our bones and teeth. But it is important that the values of these elements not only correspond to the norm, but also be in the correct ratio to each other. So, according to various sources, calcium should be one and a half or even two times more than phosphorus. A blood test will help reveal this.
Increased phosphorus: causes and consequences
The state of the body, in which the content of phosphates in the blood increases (more than 1.45 mmol / l), is called hyperphosphatemia. The reasons for the increase in the amount of inorganic phosphorus in the blood are as follows:
- impaired phosphate excretion by the kidneys, which may be associated with kidney failure;
- long-term intake of food or medications high in this macronutrient;
- development of malignant tumors;
- disintegration of tumors after chemotherapy;
- destruction of muscle tissue due to injury;
- healing of bones after a fracture;
- an overdose of vitamin D in the body.
An increase in the amount of phosphorus leads to its deposition not only in the bones, but also in other organs. As a result, there are changes in the muscles, as well as disorders in the functioning of the kidneys, nervous system, and heart. Simultaneously with the analysis for phosphorus, it is necessary to determine the level of calcium in the blood, since these two elements are directly interconnected.
How to reduce phosphorus levels?
It is impossible to reduce the concentration of this macronutrient in the blood only by adjusting the diet. In products, it is contained in an amount that does not cause such a strong deviation from the norm. Of course, if we are talking about a balanced diet, and not about overeating. At the same time, if the level of phosphorus in the blood is increased, it is guaranteed to reduce it by eliminating the causes indicated above.
Others can reduce the concentration of phosphorus in the blood serumcircumstances:
- pregnancy (toxicosis);
- unbalanced diets;
- exhaustion of the body;
- lactation;
- intravenous glucose;
- decrease in potassium in the body.
What is the danger of reduced phosphorus?
It is worth noting that the danger to the body is not only an increase in this macronutrient in the blood serum, but also its deviation from the norm in the opposite direction. This state of the body is called hypophosphatemia. Low levels of phosphorus in the blood can indicate starvation diets, insufficient intake of vitamin D, hypercalcemia, extensive burns, liver and kidney infections.
In addition, the following diseases can significantly reduce the level of this macronutrient:
- rickets, including all its types;
- spasmophilia in children from six months to one and a half years;
- primary hyperthyroidism, causing a violation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism;
- hypoglycemic disease;
- impaired absorption of minerals in the body due to the neglect of various diseases;
- genetic diseases.
It has been proven that children whose inorganic phosphate levels are below the norm grow more slowly than their peers, with a normal content of this macronutrient in the blood serum. In adults, phosphorus deficiency manifests itself in the form of decreased performance and increased fatigue, joint pain, brittle nails and hair.
How to prepare forphosphorus analysis?
To determine the level of this element in the blood, adults take a simple blood test from a vein, and in young children - from the heel. On the eve of the procedure, antacids, diuretics and laxatives should be avoided, as they may distort the test results. Blood collection is necessarily carried out on an empty stomach in the morning (from 8 am to 12 noon). The last meal should be no later than eight hours before the analysis. Before the analysis, you should not specifically eat foods rich in this element, as this may affect the increase in the concentration of phosphorus in the blood. You can drink only ordinary purified water, not mineral water. By adhering to these recommendations, it will be possible to obtain a reliable picture of the state of the body.
